Irn-Bru Chicken Pakora

Image 1 Comment 16/05/2021 the wee caledonian cook

I first saw this on Tik-Tok by Myles Omar, https://www.tiktok.com/@mylesomar?lang=en. You can watch the video here https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/scotland-now/tiktok-scots-irn-bru-chicken-23680157

I just had to try this, I love pakora, I love chicken & I love pakora so it was a must. Simple to make and very tasty. I didn’t quite have all the ingredients so here is my version. We enjoyed these pakora bites with sweet chilli dip rather than pakora sauce and was delicious. You have to give these a go.

Makes enough for 4 portions or 2 very large portions

2-3 Chicken Breasts – cut into strips

1 Tbsp Garlic & Ginger Paste

Juice of 1/2 a Lemon

Salt & Pepper to taste

1 Tbsp Fenugreek Powder

1 Tsp Paprika Powder

200g Rice Flour (or gram flour)

1/2 Tsp Biacarbonate of Soda

1 Tsp Chilli Powder

1 Tsp Cumin Powder

1 Tsp Garam Masala

1 Tsp Coriander Powder

3 Tbsp Rapeseed Oil (or vegetable oil)

200ml Irn-Bru

100ml Water

First heat up your oil in a pan or fryer if you have one. (I use Rapeseed oil and heat to about 180-200 deg)
Place the Chicken strips in a bowl, add in the garlic & ginger paste, along with paprika, lemon juice, salt & pepper, mix together and allow to sit and marinade for a few minutes.
Add in the cumin, coriander, garam masala, fenugreek powder, biacarbonate soda, rice flour, oil, water and Irn-Bru, give it a good mix together.
Drop the chicken strips into your hot fryer and cook until browned and crispy (about 8-10 minutes), remove with a slotted spoon or tongs and place onto some kitchen paper to drain the oil.
Serve. Yum….Yum!

Jamaican Chicken & Rice

Image Leave a comment 16/01/2021 the wee caledonian cook

With the weather being very dreich (dull & gloomy) recently, we wanted to transport ourselves to a warm sunny place & with that not being possible in these unprecedented times I turned to my Kitchen Cupboards to see what I could make for dinner. Having some tinned pineapple, beans and rice in the cupboard we decided on visiting the Caribbean. This dish has a great blend of popular Caribbean spices, such as ginger, paprika and allspice which transports you right onto the Islands.

Also a great dish for batch cooking as you could quite easily make a big pot and freeze for later. A very nutritious dish with the beans high in fiber and the chicken giving you a good intake of protein. A good filling meal for any family table.

Serves 4

2 Chicken Breasts – cut into bite size pieces

1 Red Pepper, diced

1 White Onion, diced

4-6 Spring Onions, diced (for serving)

1 Tbsp Oil for cooking

1 Tbsp Curry Powder

1 Tbsp Smoked Sweet Paprika

1/2 Tsp of AllSpice

1/2 Tsp of Ginger

200g Cooked Wholemeal Rice (about 50g per person)

Juice of 1 Lime

1 Tbsp Brown Sugar

1 Tsp Dried Chilli Flakes

1 Tin Pineapple Chunks

1 400g can of Black Beans, drained

Handful of Garden Peas

20-30g Cashews, chopped (for serving)

Salt & Pepper to taste

Heat the oil in a pan on medium to high heat, season the chicken and brown all over.
Add the peppers and onion to the pan and cook for about 3 minutes until softened.
Add to the pan the paprika, curry powder, ginger, allspice, brown sugar and chillies, mix through for about 1 minute to coat, then add the black beans, peas, cooked rice, pineapple and lime juice, mix through to combine.
If too dry, add 1-2 Tbsp of water and stir, put lid on pan and heat through for about 5 minutes. To serve sprinkle the spring onion and cashews. Enjoy!

Chicken & Bean Tagine

Image Leave a comment 02/12/2020 the wee caledonian cook

This North African dish is named after the earthenware pot it is traditionally cooked in. I have used Chicken which is simmered with the traditional flavours of sweet spices and vegetables. A Typical Moroccan style dish would use beef which has always been their staple diet with sweet spices & dried fruit. I used my heavy Cast Iron Pot for this, which is great for slow cooking and low temperatures.

If you have read through some of my other recipes, you’ll see that I love One Pot Cooking, it is simple and good for batch cooking if you prepare meals ahead of the week. It also means less dishes to wash…lol!

Serves 2

2 Chicken Breasts – but into big chunks

6 Shallots

2 Carrots – chopped

30g Butter

1 Tsp Saffron

1/2 Tsp Ground Ginger

1 Tbsp Smoked Paprika

1/4 Tsp Ground Cinnamon

200g Tin Broad Beans or Butter Beans (you can even use Chickpeas)

50g Dates (Optional)

Salt & Pepper to taste

Fresh Coriander – Chopped

Fresh Parsley – Chopped

Preheat a little oil in the pot on medium to high heat and brown the chicken.
Peel and chop 3 shallots into rings and 3 into quarters. Add into the pan with the carrots, butter and brown gently.
Pour in 400ml of cold water, just enough to cover the chicken, bring to the boil slowly and reduce to a gentle simmer for about 30 minutes.
Add in the saffron, ginger, paprika, dates(if using) and beans to the chicken pot, stir and put the lid back on, continue to simmer for a further 30 minutes. Season with Salt & Pepper.
Serve and garnish with some chopped coriander and parsley. For a more filling dish you can also serve with some couscous.

Chicken & Chorizo Pasta Bake

Image 1 Comment 03/09/2020 the wee caledonian cook

Oh yum! Today was absolutely stoating it down (heavy rain) and very Dreich (dull, moody) weather, so it was a warming pasta bake for dinner. Not only is pasta filling but this dish is simple and easy to make, great for a family meal or just when you are looking for something comforting to warm you up. The recipe uses a lot of store cupboard essentials so easy to put together.

Serves 2 large portions (or 4 small)

100g Wholewheat Pasta (again your choice, I used Fusilli)

2 Chicken Breasts

1 onion – chopped

1 red pepper – chopped

Olive oil

1 Garlic clove – crushed or 1 tsp ground granules

1 tsp dried Italian herbs or Oregano

200g Chopped tomatoes

200ml Chicken Stock

100ml Milk (or cream)

Handful of Spinach leaves, chopped

Handful of frozen peas

100g Grated Cheese (I used cheddar)

1 tsp Chilli flakes (optional, if you like it spicy)

1 tsp Paprika (for sprinkling on top)

80g Chopped Chorizo

Salt & Pepper

Heat a little oil in a fry pan and preheat your oven to 190 deg fan.
Brown the onions & red pepper with the garlic in the fry pan until softened, add in the chorizo and cook for a few minutes then add the chicken, season & brown chicken on all sides for a few minutes.
Once browned, add in the chopped tomatoes, chicken stock, milk, herbs and chilli (if using) to the pan and mix through, bring to the boil and reduce to a low simmer, cover and cook for at least an 1 hr.
Meanwhile cook your pasta as per packet instructions.
Using 2 forks, remove the lid from the pan and shred your chicken breasts (if you prefer chunks, that’s fine but I like it shredded)
Add in the frozen peas and Spinach and cook for a further few minutes.
Drain your pasta and add to the pan and mix through.
Now decant the pasta chicken into an ovenproof dish and grate the cheese on top with a sprinkle of paprika and salt & pepper to season.
Bake on middle shelf for about 25 minutes. Serve. Yum!

Harissa Cauliflower & Chickpea Curry

Image Leave a comment 08/02/2020 the wee caledonian cook

A bit of Meal prepping today while I have some time. I have been doing this for a few weeks now and have found it to be very beneficial to us. Sometimes I don’t get in till late from work and its always nice to have a healthy dinner ready for you. Also it means the 1/2 hour I save on making dinner means I can get some exercise in…..no excuses now.

Makes 4 Servings

1 tsp Ginger powder or 1″ piece fresh ginger minced

2 garlic gloves – minced

1 yellow onion – diced

2 tbsp Harissa Paste

Florets from 1 Caulifower

2 x 400g Chickpeas, drained

1 x 400g coconut milk

300ml vegetable stock

200g baby spinach

Salt & pepper to taste

Heat a little oil in a large pan, add the garlic, ginger and onions and fry until softened.
Add the Harissa Paste and coat the onions. Add in the Cauliflower and mix until coated.
Pour in chickpeas, vegetable stock & coconut milk with seasoning and mix through, bring to the boil then simmer and cook covered for about 25-30 minutes until cauliflower has softened.
Add the spinach and mix through, cook for a further minute or until spinach is wilted. Remove from heat and either serve or allow to cool before freezing.
Serve with some Bulgur wheat or rice for a filling meal.

Chicken Dopiaza (lower calorie option)

Image Leave a comment 19/01/2020 the wee caledonian cook

I recently purchased a new cookbook by Pinch of Nom, I loved their last one so had to get their new one. This is a recipe from their Fakeaway options and at under 400 calories per serving it is definitely my new takeaway at home. Super tasty no compromise on flavour at all. I served with a little Basmati and Wild Rice along with my homemade Sweet Potato Roti, a perfect Saturday night home takeaway.

Makes 2 Servings

2 Chicken Breasts – cut into small chunks

1 red onion – diced

1 garlic clove – grated

1 cm piece of ginger – grated

1 tsp chilli flakes or 1 red chilli- diced

1 tsp curry powder**

1 tsp mixed spice**

**(I used this as an alternative to gram masala as I didn’t have any)

1 tsp cumin

1 tsp ground coriander

1 x 400g tin tomatoes

100ml chicken stock – 1 stock cube

1 red pepper – diced

1 tbsp chopped fresh coriander to serve.

Heat a little low fat spray oil in a fry pan on medium heat
Brown the onion, garlic, chilli and ginger together for a few minutes
Add the chicken and brown all over.
Next add in the curry powder, cumin, mixed spice, ground coriander and mix through until coated.
Add in the tin tomatoes, red pepper and stock and bring to the boil then reduce and cook on a low heat for about 15 minutes lid on, then 15 minutes with lid off to help thicken the sauce slightly.
Serve a sprinkle with some fresh coriander…..YUM!

Sweet Potato Roti

Image 2 Comments 19/01/2020 the wee caledonian cook

Looking for something a bit more tastier and a healthier more nutritious option to go with my healthier option curry tonight, having a sweet potato left over from last weeks shopping I decided to try this……and well, it turned out amazing, super tasty and the structure held very well too.

Makes 6

1 large Sweet Potato

1 cup of plain flour

1/2 tsp turmeric

1/2 tsp chilli flakes

1/2 tsp cumin

Salt & pepper to taste

Start by steam cooking the sweet potato (I used my steam pot and steamed for 6 minutes by slicing into 1-2cm thick slices), do not roast as this will not give you the same flavour.
Allow potato to cool in a bowl then mash and add the spices and flour. With your hands bring to a dough.
Flour a surface a cut the dough into 6 pieces. Roll out each piece as thin as you can.
Heat a little oil (not too much or it will burn too quickly) in a fry pan on a very high heat and cook until you see the dough start to bubble, then turn over and cook for a further minute, remove & continue with the rest.
If you have any leftovers simply vacuum pack and store either in the fridge for later of you can freeze.
Yum!

Pumpkin & Bulgur Wheat Curry

Image Leave a comment 02/11/2019 the wee caledonian cook

Are you trying to use up leftover Pumpkin from Halloween? I am…lol! Came up with this one pot curry dish, super tasty and very filling too.

You can of course change the pumpkin for butternut squash or sweet potato and it would work the same.

Makes 4-6 servings

500g chopped pumpkin

1 tbsp coconut oil

1 onion – diced

1 tsp dried garlic granules or 1 clove crushed

thumb size piece of ginger, diced

1/2 tsp smoked paprika

1/2 tsp ground coriander

1 tsp cumin

2 tsp turmeric

1/2 tsp cayenne pepper

1/2 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp dried chilli flakes

2 tbsp tomato puree

1 400g can of coconut milk

1 400g can chopped tomatoes

400ml vegetable stock

150g Bulgur wheat

2 large handfuls of Spinach

Seasoning

Heat coconut oil in a large pan until melted.
Add garlic and onion with seasoning and fry for a few minutes
Add the rest of the spices with the ginger and tomato paste and stir
Add the pumpkin and stir until coated with the spice mix
Now add in the coconut milk, tomatoes, bulgur wheat and stock and stir, reduce to a simmer, cover and cook for about 35-40 minutes
Add the spinach, cook for a further minute and serve.

Hunters Chicken with Saffron Bean Rice

Image 1 Comment 02/09/2019 the wee caledonian cook

This is a classic dish in the U.K, good British pub food, I was keen to give it a go. Easy One pot cooking and can be slow cooked too. Traditionally its served with roast potatoes, however, having loads of rice to use up in my cupboard this was my preferred choice.

Serves 4

For the Chicken

4 Chicken Breasts

4 Bacon slices (smoked)

3 shallots, diced

2 tsp garlic granules or 2 cloves

1 400g tin chopped tomatoes

1 tbsp tomato puree

juice of 1/2 lemon

1 tsp smoked paprika

1/2 tsp crushed chilli flakes

1 tbsp balsamic vinegar

2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

2 tbsp white wine vinegar

1 tbsp hot sauce

1 tsp mustard powder

1 tsp sugar

80g reduced fat cheddar (healthier option)

For the Rice

150g Wholemeal Log Grain Rice

1 x 400g tin of mixed beans

Pinch of Saffron

300ml Vegetable Stock

75-100g chopped Chorizo

Preheat oven to 180 deg.
Wrap each chicken breast with the bacon slice and secure with a cocktail stick
Put all of the other ingredients for the chicken into an ovenproof casserole dish with a tight lid.
Place the chicken on top of the ingredients, put lid on and cook for about 1-2 hours.
Remove from the oven and remove chicken breasts from the dish, set aside. Using a blender blitz the sauce until smooth.
Place chicken into a dish, cover with the sauce and sprinkle the cheese over the top, place under a hot grill to melt the cheese.
Place the rice, beans, chorizo, stock & saffron into the steam pot and cook on Steam setting for 20 minutes.
Serve. Yummy!

Moroccan spiced Mince with Bulgur Wheat & Spinach

Image Leave a comment 29/07/2019 the wee caledonian cook

I’m enjoying my Moroccan spices at the moment, the flavour is fragrant, fiery, sweet, savory, and citrusy, it really gets your senses moving. Normally a traditional Moroccan meal would contain couscous but as I had some Bulgur Wheat to use up I decided on this. Bulgur is also a healthier and lower calorie choice too.

Makes 2 Servings

Spray oil

1 medium red onion, finely chopped

200g Scottish Beef Mince

1 tbsp cumin

1 tsp ground cinnamon

2 tsp turmeric

1 tbsp smoked paprika

1 tsp white pepper

1 tsp ground ginger

250ml vegetable stock

100g Spinach

30g Cashew nuts (slighty toasted and chopped)

80g Bulgur Wheat

Zest of 1 lemon

2 tbsp chopped fresh mint

Salt & pepper to taste

Heat oil in a large fry pan and fry the onions until browned and softened
Add in the beef mince and brown all over. Add in the spice mix and mix thoroughly.
Add in the stock and bring to the boil, then simmer for about 15 minutes or until the stock thickens/evaporates slightly.
Meanwhile, make the Bulgur Wheat as per packet instructions. Once cooked add in the spinach and cover with a lid, allow the residual heat to wilt the spinach down, mix through. Add in the lemon zest and mint and mix.
Season, serve and sprinkle the toasted cashews on top. Yummy!

Goes well with a little glass of Rioja.

Chickpea Flatbreads with Roasted Tomato & Walnut Sauce

Image 1 Comment 14/04/2019 the wee caledonian cook

Oh yum, this little Sunday lunch dish was super tasty and healthy too. Original recipe was adapted from Love & Lemons. I was trying to use up what I had in my fridge so roasted tomato sauce it was to go with. Topped with some fresh scottish mackerel this was so tasty and flavoursome.

For the Flatbreads:-

Serves 2

200g Gram Flour

1 tsp sea salt

1 tsp garlic powder

2 tsp Dried Parsley

2 tsp Dried Coriander

1 tsp Ground cumin

1/2 tsp Chilli powder or crushed chilli

2 tsps Lemon juice

6 tsps extra virgin olive oil

300ml water

In a large bowl, mix everything together, chickpea flour, salt, garlic powder, dried herbs, cumin, lemon juice, olive oil and water. Allow to sit for about 30 minutes.
Preheat a pan on the hob to a high heat with a little oil, pour half the mixture into the pan and cook for a few minutes until you see the mixture starting to rise. Flip over and cook for a further few minutes until slightly browned.
Serve with roasted tomato sauce, top with strips of cucumber and some smoked mackerel. Yummy!

For the Roasted Tomato & Walnut Sauce

12-15 cherry tomatoes – halved

1 tsp ground garlic powder

2 tsps powdered sugar

2 tsps sea salt

1/4 tsp chilli flakes

2 tbsps Walnut Oil

1 tsp balsamic vinegar

Roast the tomatoes under the grill or in a pan until soft and slightly browned.
Place all other ingredients into a food processor, add the roasted tomatoes and blitz until you get a smooth puree.

Cheesy Mexican Beef

Image Leave a comment 24/03/2019 the wee caledonian cook

Oh wow, this little dish was super tasty and lower in calories too at only around 480 per serving. I got this from Food for Fitness High Protein Cookbook, Scotts cookbook is brilliant and loaded with amazing recipes.

You know me….I do love a good one pan meal and this is another for favourites list.

4 Servings

500g lean scottish beef mince

1 tbsp coconut oil

2 cloves garlic minced

1 red onion, sliced

1 red pepper, sliced

250g rice

400g chopped tomatoes

500ml beef stock

2 tbsp mexican seasoning (1 tbsp chilli powder, 1/4 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp onion powder, 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes, 1/4 tsp oregano, 1/2 tsp paprika, 1 1/2 ground cumin, 1 tsp sea salt, 1 tsp black pepper)

60g low fat cheddar

Fresh coriander chopped to serve.

Heat the coconut oil in a non stick pan
Add the garlic, red pepper, onion and fry for a minute. Then add the beef and fry until browned (few minutes). Add in the seasoning and coat the meat.
Add the rice (uncooked), tin tomatoes and stock bring to the boil then reduce to a low simmer, cover and cook for about 30 minutes until rice is cooked and stock is absorbed.
Top with the grated cheese, allow to melt then sprinkle the coriander and serve.

Scottish Sausage Rolls

Image Leave a comment 09/03/2019 the wee caledonian cook

Oh Yummy! I had some left over puff pastry in the fridge, the weather was very rainy and cold outside, so nothing better than throwing together a home comfort bite to eat. I have had this recipe for scottish meat rolls for a while now, so decided to give it a go, thank you to christinas cucina .

Scottish Sausage Rolls are traditionally made with Beef, where as English sausage rolls are made with pork, which is the main difference. Then it’s your choice of spices that make it.

Makes 6-8

1 Roll of puff pastry (about 300g)

500g ground Scottish Beef

a little water

1 tsp sea salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

1 tsp rainbow peppercorns

3/4 tsp dried coriander

1/2 tsp nutmeg

1/2 cup of fine breadcrumbs

1 egg beaten for pastry.

Preheat your oven to 200 deg.
In a large bowl mix the spices, breadcrumbs and seasoning, then add in the meat. Pour in a little water and with your hands mix together, the mixture should hold together when squeezed, not too wet.
Place the puff pastry on a floured surface and cut into 5″ approx rectangles.
Take some of the mixture and roll into a sausage shape, lay onto the puff pastry 3/4 way down. With your finger wet the short edge of the pastry to help seal and roll up. Then with a fork crimp the seal along to seal. Make a few light cuts on top.
Place rolls onto a greaseproof tray and brush with the egg wash.
Bake for about 25 minutes.
Serve with chips & beans…..my personal fav for a proper home comfort meal.

Steamed Cod & Spicy Butternut Squash Curry

Image Leave a comment 30/01/2019 the wee caledonian cook

Oh yum! A lovely little healthy warming dish on a very, very cold day today.

Makes 2 servings

2 x cod loins

Salt

Rainbow Pepper

2 tsps Parsley

Butternut Squash – chopped into cubes

1 onion – finely chopped

1 clove garlic – crushed

1 tsp dried chillies (or 1 red chilli chopped)

1 tsp ground cumin

1/2 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp sea salt

1 tsp dried coriander

1 tsp turmeric

1 400g can chopped tomatoes

2 tbsp water

100g spinach

Season the cod loins with salt, pepper & 1 tsp parsley each. Steam cook for 6 minutes in Steam pot or steam oven.
Heat 1 tbsp oil in a pan and fry the onion with the garlic for a few minutes, add in the chilli, cumin, cinnamon, turmeric, coriander, 2 tbsp water & tin tomatoes, bring to a boil then reduce and simmer and cover for 20 minutes or until butternut squash has softened.
Remove lid and place spinach into pan, do this in 2 batches, it will wilt down in a few seconds, simmer on low for a further 5 minutes.
Serve with the steamed cod. Lovely healthy quick mid week meal.

Curried Cod

Image Leave a comment 27/12/2018 the wee caledonian cook

This is a tasty little dish and so healthy too. I’m always trying to get more fish into my meals (hard when my partner isn’t a fish fan!), but even he loved this one. Result!

Easy to make and full of protein and iron.

Makes 2 portions

1 tsp oil

1 onion, chopped

2 tbsp curry powder

1 tsp ground mixed spice

2 garlic cloves or 1 tsp dried garlic

1 x 400g chopped tomatoes

1 can chickpeas (optional)

100g Spinach (optional)

1 packet of fresh green peas

2 cod fillets

zest of 1 lemon

handful of chopped coriander to serve

Heat oil in a large pan and cook onion & garlic over a high heat until softened and slightly browned. Stir in the curry powder and mixed spice, mix through.
Add in the tin tomatoes, chickpeas and green peas with seasoning to taste.
Cook for about 10 minutes until sauce starts to thicken slightly.
Add in the cod and cover, continue to cook for another 10 minutes until fish is cooked through.
Squeeze on the lemon zest and coriander then serve. Yummy!

I served with some curry roasted parnsips and carrots.

Curried Butternut Squash, Red Lentils & Spinach

Image Leave a comment 28/11/2018 the wee caledonian cook

This was so delicious and filling. Best of all very healthy & nutritious.

I think I am starting to enjoy this Detox week….lol!

Makes enough for 4 portions.

1 onion

200ml vegetable stock

2 tsp dried garlic

1 tsp dried chilli

1 tbsp ginger

1 tsp ground cumin

1/2 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp sea salt

1/2 tsp coriander

1 tsp turmeric

1 tbsp olive oil

1 can chopped tomatoes 400g

300-400g butternut squash – peeled and chopped into chunks

200g Red lentils – cooked

200g Spinach

Blend onion, veg stock, garlic, chilli, ginger, tomatoes, cumin, cinnamon, turmeric and coriander into a paste.
Heat the oil in a pan and cook the paste for about 5-10 mins.
Add in the butternut squash and cook on a medium heat for 20 mins.
Meanwhile cook the lentils as per pack instructions.
After 20 mins mix in the lentils and spinach to the squash mix and heat for a further 5 minutes.
Remove and serve. Yummy!

Stuffed Peppers

Image 1 Comment 26/11/2018 the wee caledonian cook

These were delicious and very healthy too. My Hotpoint oven has automatic cooking programmes, so I used the Stuffed Pepper setting and these baked to perfection.

Makes 3-4

2 onions – chopped

6 Sweet Peppers – chopped

1 can chopped tomatoes (400g)

3-4 large peppers – colour to your choosing.

200g kale

1 tsp chilli flakes

1 tbsp olive oil

juice of 1 lemon

Heat oil in a pan
Add all ingredients to the pan except the large peppers and cook for 5 minutes
Cut the tops off of the large peppers and de-seed. Place in a roasting tin.
Fill the peppers with the mixture and place the tops back on.
Select Auto recipes, side dishes then stuffed peppers and bake for approx 35-50 minutes (depends on size of peppers)
Serve. Yummy!

Chickpea, Potato & Spinach Curry

Image Leave a comment 28/07/2018 the wee caledonian cook

Oh Yum…yum…this wee dish was so tasty. Using up my home grown potatoes this little throw together dish was perfect and healthy too.

I made some of my homemade Chapati’s , which went perfectly. Oh…and a wee glass of Chardonnay too! lol!

Serves 2

1 can chickpeas

6 charlotte potatoes, cut into cubes

100g baby Spinach

1 can plum tomatoes

1 tsp cumin

1 onion, chopped finely

1 tsp ginger

1 tsp dried garlic

1 tsp chilli seeds

1/2 tsp turmeric

1/2 tsp chilli powder

1/2 tsp gram masala

1 tsp dried coriander

1 tsp olive oil/fry oil

Heat the oil in a saute pan, add the onion and cumin fry until the onion is golden. Add the garlic, ginger, chilli’s, coriander, turmeric, gram masala and chilli powder and cook for five minutes.
Add in the cubed potatoes and fry until potato is slightly browned, season.
Add in the plum tomatoes, chop up and mix thoroughly.
Now add in the chickpeas and mix through, simmer for about 20 minutes.
Throw in the spinach and cover with a lid to help wilt down. (roughly 5 minutes)
Serve with Chapati or some rice.

One Pot Chicken & Lentil Dhansak

Image 2 Comments 13/05/2018 the wee caledonian cook

My partner always orders a Dhansak from our local Indian Takeaway, so I thought I would try a homemade version! He thought it was delicious! Result! Not only was it so tasty it was also less calories and more protein. A much healthier version of his favourite takeaway. I made my homemade Chapati’s to serve with it too. Perfect Fakeaway dish.

Makes 2 Servings

1 red onion – chopped

2 garlic cloves – crushed

1 tsp ginger

1 tbsp light brown sugar

1 red chilli – finely diced

1 tsp mustard seeds

4 cardamon pods – crushed

2 tsp mild curry powder

1 tsp turmeric

1 tsp ground cinnamon

100 g red lentils rinsed

2 chicken breasts

4 tomatoes – chopped

1 tsp tomato paste

300ml vegetable stock

Juice 1/2 lemon or lime

fresh coriander to garnish

salt & pepper to season

Heat a little oil in a deep pan, fry the spices, ginger and chillies for a minute or until mustard seeds start to pop.
Lower the heat and add in the onions and garlic, cook for about 5 minutes until soft.
Add the red lentils and mix.
Then add the stock, tomatoes, tomato paste and sugar, bring to the boil. Gently lower the chicken breasts into the sauce. Lower the heat and simmer covered for about 1 hour.
Add the juice of the lemon or lime. Take 2 forks and shred the chicken breasts, stir and cook uncovered on a higher heat for a further few minutes. If the sauce is too runny just bring to the boil to thicken for a few minutes or add cornflour to thicken.
Remove the cardamon pods and serve onto plates. Garnish with coriander. Serve with the Chapati’s.
This recipe also tastes even better the day after. Yummy!

Dhansak is a popular Indian dish, originating among the Parsi Zoroastrian community. It combines elements of Persian and Gujarati cuisine. Dhansak is made by cooking mutton or goat meat traditionally with a mixture of lentils and vegetables.

You could try this recipe also with prawns or lamb. Yummy too!

Sausage and Potato Stew

Image Leave a comment 02/04/2018 the wee caledonian cook

I picked up an amazing bargain recently in Aldi’s….29p for 2.5kg bag of Maris Piper potatoes…..Yes I know…..right…..29p!! So after picking up some lovely scottish beef sausages at my local butchers I decided a Stew was the perfect match for these potatoes.

A warm comfort filling dish.

Makes 4 servings.

8 Scottish Beef sausages (or any of your choice)

4 potatoes – washed and cubed (skin on)

1 tin chopped tomatoes

1 tbsp tomato puree

300ml chicken stock

2 garlic clove – crushed

1 tbsp olive oil

2-3 sweet red peppers – sliced

1 red onion – quartered

1 tsp crushed chillies

1 tsp hot smoked paprika

salt & pepper

1 tbsp worcester sauce

1 tbsp mixed herbs

Gently heat up to a medium heat a fry pan with oil.
Gently fry the peppers and onion with the garlic, chillies and paprika until softened, remove from pan with slotted spoon.
Put your sausages into the pan and gently brown on all sides.
Once sausages are browned add back to the pan the pepper mix, tomato paste, tin tomatoes, chicken stock, potatoes, salt & pepper, worcester sauce and mix. Bring to the boil then simmer for approx 25 minutes or until potatoes are soft.
A few minutes before ready add in the mixed herbs, and cut the sausages into 3 sections, then serve. Yummy!

Creamed Sweetcorn &Chicken Wontons

Image Leave a comment 11/12/2017 the wee caledonian cook

I was so excited last week as I received my Pasta Maker Attachment for my Kitchen Aid Mixer. I decided to give Wonton wrappers a go…….well what can I say, I just love this little gadget, so easy to use and perfect wraps. I decided to cook them 2 ways, 1 boiled and 1 oven baked for a crispy texture.

Unfortunately I didn’t cut them big enough for actual wonton shapes so wonton rolls/parcels it was……lol. (lesson learned)

Serves 2

For the Dough

150g plain flour

1 egg beaten

pinch salt

1 tbsp oil

2 tbsp hot water

For the Filling

1 tbsp oil

3 spring onions – chopped

250g chicken – minced

2cm ginger – finely chopped

1 clove garlic – finely chopped

2 heaped tbsp creamed corn

1 tbsp sweet chilli sauce

1 tbsp soy sauce or kepcup manis (if you can get it)

1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds

1 tsp dried chillies

Using the flat beater on your mixer, mix together flour, salt, hot water, oil and egg for about 2 minutes, change to the dough hook and knead until you get a soft silky dough, approx 8-10 minutes. Wrap in clingfilm and refrigerate for about 30mins-1 hour.
Remove from fridge and with floured hands knead for 30 secs. Cut into slices about 2cm thick.
Attached the pasta attachment and flour, firstly put dough through on level 1 then pull through and fold then put through on level 2 twice, now turn to level 4 and turn through twice again, then finally turn to level 6 and turn through 2 or 3 times until the dough is almost see through. & repeat.
Lay dough sheets onto a lightly floured surface and cut into rectangles
Meanwhile, heat oil in a fry pan and gently fry the spring onions, garlic, ginger and chicken mince until browned. (if you have breast just use a processor to blitz into mince)
Place chicken mix into the mixing bowl, then add creamed sweetcorn, sauces, chilli, sesame seeds and salt & pepper, mix for a minute until combined.
Lay dough sheets out and take 1-2 tsp of mixture and place in centre, lightly moisten the edges with water to help seal and pull up the edges to make a wonton, make sure it is tight and no air, if you’ve cut the dough too small (like me..lol) just roll them up and pinch the sides (almost like a spring roll type parcel). Repeat
To boil….bring a pan to boiling point reduce by 1 and place each wonton in to cook for about 3-5 minutes depending on size.
To Bake….preheat oven to 200 deg, place on a lightly greased baking tray and bake for about 12-15 minutes.
I served with sweet chilli sauce (shop bought)……….oh so yummy!

Braised Red Cabbage

Image Leave a comment 05/12/2017 the wee caledonian cook

I was inspired to give this a try after seeing and tasting it at a Kitchen Aid event I attended recently. Beautiful flavour, and perfect for my New Years Day steak pie. So I gave it a trial run…..delicious! I even went all out and made proper Goose fat roasties. Mmmmm.

Makes enough for 10-12 people

500g red cabbage – sliced

250g onions – chopped

250g cooking apples – peeled, cored and chopped

1/2 garlic clove

1/4 tsp nutmeg

1/4 tsp ground cinnamon

1/4 tsp ground cloves

1 heaped tbsp brown sugar

2 tbsp red wine vinegar

15g butter

Preheat your oven to 150 deg
Shred the cabbage then start to layer your dish, cabbage, seasoning, onions, apple, spices and sugar. Continue to layer up.
Now pour in the red wine vinegar and top with the butter.
Put a lid onto the casserole dish and cook for about 2.5 hours.

This is great as any leftovers you can pop in freezer for a later date or even use through a pie.

Spiced Braised Red Cabbage

Image Leave a comment 02/08/2016 the wee caledonian cook

Having some Red Cabbage left over, I decided to try my hand at a spiced red cabbage as I’m having red meat tomorrow and think this will be the perfect side dish.

Makes a full 400g jar

1/2 large Red Cabbage – very finely sliced

1 bramley apple – very finely sliced

1 garlic glove – sliced finely

3 tbsp brown sugar

3 tbsp red wine vinegar

For the spice bag:-

5 cardamon pods

1 cinnamon stick (or 1 tsp cinnamon)

1 star anise (or you could use chinese 5 spice)

1 muslin bag (I didn’t have this, so I used a tea bag!)

First of all preheat your oven to 130 deg.
Place all the spice ingredients into the muslin and gather to tie together and make a bag. If you don’t have this you can use a Tea Bag, I emptied the tea out carefully by cutting the top off the T Bag, added in all the spices and tied with some thread. If using the T Bag you will need to cut up cinnamon stick or use powder.
Place the spice bag in a casserole dish. Then layer the cabbage, garlic, apple and brown sugar.
Then pour in the red wine vinegar. Place lid on dish and put in oven and cook for 3 hours.
You might need to stir half way through.
Once finish, remove and serve. Or let cool and place in fridge for next day or later.

Goat Mince curry

Image 3 Comments 17/04/2016 the wee caledonian cook

I bought some Goat Mince from Harris Meat Farm at the Glasgow Food Assembly this week, dying to try something different. I got a curry recipe from my mother in law and gave it a go. A definite meat on my shopping list going forward, the flavour was intense and went really well with his recipe. A must if you haven’t tried Goat yet. I think I will try the bigger chunks of meat or even a leg and slow cook next time.

Serves 3-4

400g Goat Mince

75g fat-free natural yogurt

2 tsp mild chilli powder

2 tsp ground coriander

2 tsp ground cumin

4 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed

2 tsp peeled and finely grated ginger

½ tsp tumeric

1 large onion, peeled and finely chopped

2 tbsp tomato purée

Salt

Low calorie cooking spray

4 green cardamom pods, lightly crushed

5cm cinnamon stick

4 cloves

½ tsp grated nutmeg

2 tbsp freshly chopped mint leaves

4 tbsp freshly chopped coriander leaves

1. Place the yogurt, chilli, ground coriander, cumin, garlic, ginger and tumeric in a small bowl and mix.

2. Brown mince in some olive oil in a large pan, then fry the onions, place over a medium heat and stir until the mixture begins to sizzle. Add the yoghurt mixture, reduce the heat to low, and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the goat releases its juices.

3. Increase the heat to medium and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce has reduced to a paste-like consistency. Add the tomato purée and 350ml of boiling water, season with salt, cover and leave to simmer for 15-20 minutes.

4. Spray a small frying pan with low calorie cooking spray and place over a low heat. Add the bay leaves, cardamom, cinnamon and cloves and allow to sizzle for 40-45 seconds. Pour the contents of this pan over the meat along with the nutmeg, stir to mix, cover tightly and cook gently for another 12-15 minutes or until the meat is tender. Remove from the heat and stir in the fresh mint and coriander before serving.

Yummy!

My Italian Spicy Chicken with Vermicelli

Image Leave a comment 04/07/2015 the wee caledonian cook

I really fancied something Italian tonight, already had most of these Ingredients in my kitchen, so a little of this and a little of that, and voila a tasty and still healthy little Italian Dish.

Serves 2

2 x Chicken Breast cut into chunks

4 tbsp of Paprika

2 nests of Wholegrain Vermicelli

1 Red and 1 Green Pepper – chopped

1 white onion – chopped

1 tbsp olive oil

10-12 Piccolo Tomatoes – halved

250ml tomato passata

1 tbsp chilli

1 tbsp oregano

1 tbsp coriander

1 tbsp basil

1 tsp garlic

1 tbsp red wine vinegar

1. Coat the chicken chunks with the paprika and brown in a saucepan or wok with the olive oil

2. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside

3. Put onion, peppers and all spices in pan and cook under slightly tender

4. Add back to the pan the chicken and mix.

5. Then add the tomato passata and red wine vinegar, stir and reduce to a simmer for 5 mins.

6. Meanwhile place the vermicelli in a bowl and cover with boiling water for 4 mins, then add to the pan and stir through for 2 mins.

7. Serve. Yum! Goes well with a lovely glass of Chardonnay. You can also add some parmesan on top for extra flavour.

Spiced aubergine salad with pistachio yoghurt

Image 5 Comments 20/04/2015 the wee caledonian cook

I love pistachio’s and always looking for new ways to incorporate into my dining. This was delicious.

Serves 4

Salad:-

Mixed leaves of choice, Grated Beetroot, Grated Carrot, Cherry tomatoes (halved), cucumber sliced, Feta cheese, Olives (your choice), 1 pomegranate, Olive oil and Balsamic Vinegar for dressing.

Spiced Aubergines:-

3/4 Aubergines (Halved)

1 garlic clove

Olive oil (2 tbsp)

1 tbsp cumin

1 tsp paprika

1 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp chilli powder

1 tsp garlic

Salt and pepper to taste

Pistachio Yoghurt:-

6 tbsps Pistachio’s

Handful of fresh mint

250g natural yoghurt

1 tbsp olive oil

Method:-

1. Preheat oven to 220 deg.

2. Halved Aubergines longways, and make 1cm deep cuts diagonally about 2-3cm apart. Rub the garlic over the top of each one and season with salt and pepper. Drizzle with olive oil and bake in oven for approx 30-40 mins.

3. Mix up aubergines spices and dust over then cook for a further 5 mins.

4. For the yoghurt, mix pistachios, yoghurt, mint and olive oil in a blender until smooth. Set aside until ready.

5. Mix all salad ingredients in a bowl with dressing, serve onto a plate and sprinkle feta cheese over.

6. Cut pomegranate in half and carefully remove seeds, discarding any white pith, sprinkle seeds over salad.

7. Place baked Aubergines on top of salad and serve with the yoghurt dressing.

Yummy!

My White Chilli

Image Leave a comment 31/01/2015 the wee caledonian cook

Decided to try different beans in my chilli (as that’s what I had in cupboard…lol!), yummy alternative.

Serves 2 (422 cal per serving, 9g fat, 2g sat fat, 1.6g salt, 27g carbs)

2 x chicken breasts ( cubed )

1 tbsp olive oil or spray oil

1 large white onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, crushed

1 tbsp of cumin

1 tbsp smoked paprika

1 tbsp chilli powder

1 tsp dried oregano

1 x 400g chopped tomatoes

1 x 150-200g tin cannellini beans

2 tbsp fat free Greek yoghurt (optional)

2 spring onions, chopped

1. Heat oil in saucepan and fry the onion and garlic until slightly browned

2. Add the cumin, paprika, chilli and oregano and stir through for 1 min.

3. Add in the chopped chicken and stir for about 5-10 mins making sure the chicken is covered in the spices and beginning to cook through.

4. Add in the chopped tomatoes and simmer for about 20 mins until sauce thickens.

5. Add in the cannellini beans and heat through for about 5 minutes.

6. Taste, season and serve with a dollop of yoghurt and sprinkle chopped spring onions.

Yum…Yum!

THE WEE CALEDONIAN COOK

DISCOVERING MY INNER CHEF

spices

Irn-Bru Chicken Pakora

Jamaican Chicken & Rice

Chicken & Bean Tagine

Chicken & Chorizo Pasta Bake

Harissa Cauliflower & Chickpea Curry

Chicken Dopiaza (lower calorie option)

Sweet Potato Roti

Pumpkin & Bulgur Wheat Curry

Hunters Chicken with Saffron Bean Rice

Moroccan spiced Mince with Bulgur Wheat & Spinach

Chickpea Flatbreads with Roasted Tomato & Walnut Sauce

Cheesy Mexican Beef

Scottish Sausage Rolls

Steamed Cod & Spicy Butternut Squash Curry

Curried Cod

Curried Butternut Squash, Red Lentils & Spinach

Stuffed Peppers

Chickpea, Potato & Spinach Curry

One Pot Chicken & Lentil Dhansak

Sausage and Potato Stew

Creamed Sweetcorn &Chicken Wontons

Braised Red Cabbage

Spiced Braised Red Cabbage

Goat Mince curry

My Italian Spicy Chicken with Vermicelli

Spiced aubergine salad with pistachio yoghurt

My White Chilli